WWTEPD??- aka What Would TE Peeps Do

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Originally Posted by tulip

In my former city, there were a big group of these type of a-holes, I mean, riders. They often wore their racing kits. I made it a point to never go to that shop, and to call them and tell them why. I have no idea if it had any impact, but if alot of people do that, then it might. Shops don't really want negative publicity.

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Do tell, what shop (assume you mean DC)? I'll boycott it as well (pm me, if you don't feel comfortable posting the name).

Mickchick, it was a few years ago, and I hesitate to diss anyone now since I don't know if they have changed their ways.

But take note of the riders who do not ride responsibly and contact their club and sponsors. I've found that most of these guys love riding in their racing kits, so they are easy to spot.

My current bike club has nearly 1,000 members. The rides can be really huge-like 50-60 people sometimes. It's a policy of the club to break up those big groups into smaller sub-groups. It's so nice to ride with a club with responsible leadership. Peer pressure is a powerful thing, and can work both ways.

Here's what I would do if I owned a shop: I would not say a single word against the offending riders, or against any riders. However, I would start a visible *POSITIVE* campaign about responsible riding. I would put up posters in/outside the store (and maybe in public places that permit posting handbills). I would maybe print some bumperstickers. I would put some line about it in all of my advertising. I would try to get interviewed by the local paper... etc... If it were really important to me, I would harp on it so much that people who didn't know much about the shop would hear the name mentioned and say "oh, those are the 'safe cycling' people, aren't they?".

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Originally Posted by liza

Here's what I would do if I owned a shop: I would not say a single word against the offending riders, or against any riders. However, I would start a visible *POSITIVE* campaign about responsible riding. I would put up posters in/outside the store (and maybe in public places that permit posting handbills). I would maybe print some bumperstickers. I would put some line about it in all of my advertising. I would try to get interviewed by the local paper... etc... If it were really important to me, I would harp on it so much that people who didn't know much about the shop would hear the name mentioned and say "oh, those are the 'safe cycling' people, aren't they?".

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What a really wonderful idea!

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Originally Posted by tulip

Mickchick, it was a few years ago, and I hesitate to diss anyone now since I don't know if they have changed their ways.

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I understand. It gets worse when these types of riders decide to do a hammer ride on the MUTs...

I think actually there is less courtesy/more of that sort of middle-aged-man-child attitude in NOVA's western suburbs, rather than inside the beltway. Just my impression. Haven't ridden in DC proper in awhile, though, and for the most part, Arlington/Falls Church riders have been courteous.